Duke of Shomolu: Why Burna Boy’s Lagos concert was delayed

Joseph Edgar, the theatre producer better known as the Duke of Shomolu, has provided insight into the controversies trailing Burna Boy’s concert in Lagos.

Burna Boy and the organisers of the show came under fire earlier over poor coordination of the concert titled “Lagos loves Damini”.

In an apology to his fans, the ‘African Giant’ crooner blamed the organisers, alleging that they “did an abysmal job”.

The development has continued to stir discussions on social media with fans faulting the hours-long delay before the concert eventually started.

Edgar, who is a close associate of Wonder X, organisers of the show, spoke on the circumstances surrounding the concert in an interview with NAN.

The chairman of Duke of Shomolu Productions quoted sources as saying a few minutes into the show, a “huge surge” blew off 15 of the 45 microphones on stage.

This, according to him, prevented the show from commencing as scheduled.

“A lot is being said about the just-concluded mega concert featuring global star Burna Boy,” he said.

“A lot of stories have come out from different sources, especially eye witness accounts, detailing delay in the show and the very unprofessional attitude of the star who came out cursing and spending quite an unacceptable time on stage despite the long wait for him.

“My unimpeachable sources have informed me that just as the show was about to start, a huge surge hit and blew off 15 microphones out of the 45 that were on stage.

“This meant that the show couldn’t go on and this explains the long unexplainable wait that the audience had to endure as organisers scrambled to find replacement in Lagos during a season where other such huge shows were taking place.”

Edgar added that the concert was delayed because Burna Boy was stuck in traffic on his way to the event venue.

“Furthermore, I have also learnt that due to the popularity of the concert which attracted about 30,000 people, the roads were blocked,” he added.

“The adjoining streets – Adetokunbo Ademola, Akin Adesola and Ahmadu Bello – witnessed a complete lockdown.

“I have been told that the music star was stuck in traffic and getting him and his crew to the venue was more like a military action involving taking back roads within the expansive Eko Atlantic through to the Energy City site of the concert.

“The star, Burna, did not help matters as he seemed to have a beef against the Lagos audience. He came out cursing and abusing them.”

Edgar, however, commended Burna Boy and the organisers for managing the situation well.